If you have a toddler, chances are you spend a lot of time with them. From those early morning wake-ups to seemingly never-ending bedtime routines, toddlers require a lot of time and energy. When you spend that much time with anyone, you are bound to learn some life lessons. As I have been in a more reflective moment in my own life, I have been paying extra attention. I think toddlers know a lot about life, and we should all take note. So with that, I’m sharing life lessons from a toddler that I have learned.
Live In The Moment
When my daughter and I are playing, it is clear that there is nowhere else she would rather be. Whether we are playing soccer after dinner, making an obstacle course, or making silly faces at each other, she is completely present. While I often am tempted to check my phone, look at the time, or ponder my to-do list – there is something incredibly special and important about just being instead of thinking about the next thing you’re going to do.
Speak Your Truth
Love it or not, toddlers will say exactly what’s on their minds. Recently my daughter has loved saying whether she likes someone (or not), what she wants to do, or whether she’s feeling emotional. As adults, we often find ourselves saying what we think others want to hear. What if, instead, we spoke our truth? We should never do it in a way that is harmful to others, but there is certainly a lot of space and importance in being completely authentic and saying what you mean.
Be Unapologetic (To A Point)
What I love most about my toddler is how she unabashedly asks for what she wants. If we’re in the middle of dinner and she needs to poop – you can bet she’ll yell it out, and then head to the bathroom. If she wants an ice cream cone? She’s got no problem telling everyone around us she wants one. Of course, we have taught her to say sorry when she’s done something wrong – but when it comes to what she needs, or just really wants, she is unapologetic in asking for it. This life lesson from a toddler is especially important for us moms, who often put ourselves on the back burner, and rarely ask for what we need or want. What would it look like if we practiced asking for what we want, without apology? I would really like to find out.
Boundaries Are A Good Thing
My toddler loves to push boundaries. Whether it’s negotiating the number of books we read before bed, or asking for that ice cream cone before breakfast – she has no problem testing the waters to see what she can get away with. But of course, I must – and do – hold steady. And you know what? She thrives with those boundaries. And yet, as adults, we have such a hard time creating and upholding boundaries for ourselves. What if we took the life lessons from our children, and remember that even though boundaries can feel uncomfortable, they do allow us to thrive. Take a moment to consider the boundaries you need to create – and what you need to do to uphold them, no matter what.
Do Fun Things Again (And, Again!)
When my toddler loves something, she wants to do it again, and again, and again. As I have recently been reflecting on how little I play (and I mean adult play – the things that bring me joy). It can be oh-so-hard to live in the present moment, yet play is so important. I recently went to a kid’s “adventure land” – without my kids. And my friends and I played – go-karts, batting cages, and mini-golf. It was unexpected and so much fun! So, I encourage you to think about what play looks like to you – and then go for it!
